Homeowners who want to build an addition over their septic tanks in Northern Virginia will either have to move or replace their septic tanks. Septic tanks are buried under ground, and by law, must be on your property. They are made from concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. It is recommended that homeowners never build on top of their septic tank, or any part of their septic system.
As a reminder a septic system has four basic components: a septic tank, a pipe that runs from your home to the tank, a drainfield, and the soil in the drain field that removes microbes from the wastewater.
Cost and condition of the current septic tank and system are determining factors when you are deciding whether to move or replace your septic tank with a new one.
Condition
If the septic system with s steel tank that is over 15 years old, or has not had routine pumping and other maintenance done, you would probably be replacing the system or major components soon, anyway. That should be decommissioned, and replaced with a new system elsewhere away from where your home addition is being built.
If you have a concrete tank, it could last as long as 40 years – if your septic system has been well cared for – so that would be a situation where you may consider moving the septic tank to another area of your property.
Costs
Keep in mind that whatever you choose (move or replace) there will be a need for professional perc testing, personnel to oversee and install the septic system, and large equipment such as trucks, back hoes, and cranes involved. The new area will need to be dug out and prepared to receive the new system.
So the costs you need to compare are: a whole new system and decommissioning the old, versus digging up a still good septic tank system and moving it. Your contractor, SES Mid Atlantic LLC will be able to provide you with a breakdown of costs and their expert opinion of which is the best value in the long run.
For more information about septic tanks in Northern Virginia, please contact the experts at SES Mid Atlantic, LLC. Based in Warrenton, Virginia, SES has provided expert septic system inspections, service, maintenance and repairs to Northern Virginia systems since 1987.